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The United States conducted an airstrike on Wednesday against the Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj of Helmand district of Afghanistan, the US military spokesperson said on Wednesday.
This was a “defensive strike” to disrupt the attacks by Taliban, the Pajhowk Afghan News reported citing the spokesperson.
"The US conducted an airstrike on March 4 against Taliban fighters in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, who were actively attacking an Afghan National Security Forces checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack. This was our 1st strike against the Taliban in 11 days," the spokesperson said.
"To be clear -- we are committed to peace. However, we have the responsibility to defend our Afghan National Security Forces partners. Afghans and US have complied with our agreements," he added.
This comes hours after more than 20 Afghan soldiers and police officers were killed in northern Afghanistan in the latest Taliban attack.
The increase in the violence follows US President Donald Trump having a telephonic conversation with Taliban leaders where the latter promised to reduce the violence in the country.
The violence by the Taliban and counter-attack by the US jeopardise the historic peace deal signed four days back by the United States and Taliban to bring peace to Afghanistan by withdrawing American forces.